What is your background?
I am a wildlife biologist specializing in threatened & endangered bats in the eastern United States. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2006 and Master of Science in Biology from Indiana State University in 2011. I am also a Certified Wildlife Biologist® through The Wildlife Society. In addition to this, I hold a Master of Science in Environmental Health & Safety from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. My interest in wildlife stems from my time in Nebraska, just being outside…sometimes that is all it takes. The challenges that come with working with any wildlife are always different, and keeps the work fun and interesting.
What kinds of wildlife biology projects have you completed in the past ten years?
Over the last 15 years, I have worked on many different projects involving bats, rodents, shrews, and birds. These projects have allowed me to work in several different states, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.
What are three career lessons you have learned?
- Never assume anything. Check into it.
- Even if you may think a question is “silly”, ask it anyway. Sometimes it hasn’t been asked.
- Humility is very important.
Name two things our clients can expect when working with you?
I provide clean and accurate data with an appropriate amount of detail, and I always bring enthusiasm to see the project through to the finish.
What is something that you would consider one of your greatest professional accomplishments?
Nothing in particular. Some would view that the process of becoming a wildlife biologist to be quite an achievement in and of itself. Every day is a chance to learn something new, and over time these new things can add up to a great accomplishment.
What professional values are most important to you?
Accuracy and Communication.
What is your personal mantra?
Get out of your comfort zone. Sometimes learning a new task or process can be quite painful, but you just have to remember that everything becomes easier as if you consistently apply yourself.
On the other hand, I don’t like the mantra “It is what it is”. In my opinion, that’s a defeating statement…if you can change it, you owe it to yourself (and maybe others) to at least try and do something about it.
You are happiest when?
I’m at the gym.
